Matar Ki Tehri Recipe – Fragrant Rice with Spices and Fresh Green Peas
Welcome to one of the most aromatic and satisfying dishes from Indian cuisine—Matar Ki Tehri. This classic Awadhi dish features basmati rice cooked with a symphony of fragrant spices and fresh green peas, resulting in a one-pot wonder that is as nutritious as it is flavorful. Perfectly spiced and comforting, Matar Ki Tehri is a hearty vegetarian dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a cooling raita or dal.
Cuisine: Awadhi
Course: One Pot Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
To create the perfect Matar Ki Tehri, you’ll need a variety of whole spices, fresh peas, and aromatic ingredients that come together to make this dish special.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1 cup |
| Ghee | 3 tablespoons |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1 |
| Cinnamon stick (dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cumin seeds (jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cloves (laung) | 4 |
| Dry red chillies (broken) | 2 |
| Brown cardamom (badi elaichi) | 1 |
| Whole black peppercorns | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion | 1, thinly sliced |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Turmeric powder (haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Kashmiri red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curd (dahi / yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Green peas (matar) | 1 cup |
| Fresh coriander leaves | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Salt | to taste |
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in a bowl of water for 20 minutes, then drain it and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Spices
In a large cooking pot or pressure cooker, heat ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee melts and starts to shimmer, add the whole spices: cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, brown cardamom, black peppercorns, and dry red chillies. Let these spices splutter and release their aromatic flavors.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the finely sliced onions to the pot and sauté them for 3-4 minutes until golden and caramelized. Then, add the finely chopped ginger and garlic, stirring occasionally until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Spices
Next, stir in the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and salt. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the tomatoes soften and break down. You’ll notice the ghee beginning to separate from the spice mixture, indicating it’s time for the next step.
Step 5: Incorporate the Green Peas
Add the fresh green peas to the pot, mixing them into the spicy tomato base. Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the peas to soak in the flavors.
Step 6: Add the Rice and Yogurt
Add the drained basmati rice to the pot, stirring gently to coat the rice with the spice mixture. Then, pour in the yogurt and stir again to ensure it blends well with the rice and spices. This will help create a creamy texture as the rice cooks.
Step 7: Cook the Matar Ki Tehri
Add 1 ¼ cups of water to the pot and mix everything together. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Once the water begins to bubble, cover the pot with a lid and let the rice cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is fully cooked.
Step 8: Fluff the Rice
Once the Matar Ki Tehri is cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and incorporate the spices evenly.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the Matar Ki Tehri with freshly chopped coriander leaves to add a burst of freshness. Serve this aromatic and flavorful rice dish with a side of cooling Lauki Raita or a hearty Dal Tadka for a wholesome meal.
Serving Suggestions
Matar Ki Tehri is an ideal one-pot meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. Its delicate spice blend and fresh peas make it a nourishing and satisfying dish. Pair it with your favorite raita or dal to elevate the experience and enjoy a complete Indian meal. It also goes well with a simple cucumber salad or some crispy papad for added texture.
Why You’ll Love Matar Ki Tehri
This dish embodies the essence of Awadhi cuisine, combining simplicity with rich flavors. The use of aromatic whole spices, fresh peas, and creamy yogurt gives Matar Ki Tehri a unique taste that is comforting yet vibrant. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will soon become a staple in your home.
Enjoy the delightful, fragrant goodness of Matar Ki Tehri—a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
